Good conduct, even in the harshest circumstances, can sometimes lead to unexpected rewards. This was the case for 68-year-old Durgappa, a murder convict who, after 12 years behind bars, found freedom not only through a court-mandated remission for good behaviour but also by a surprising twist of fate. While he had no family support and lacked external financial means, Durgappa’s hard work as a prison cook led to a self-earned sum that allowed him to pay the Rs 1.1 lakh fine standing between him and his release.
His compelling story is a powerful reminder of how life does give everybody a second chance. Rehabilitation programmes and prison labour reforms can allow convicts to rebuild their lives even when circumstances seem dire.
A national daily reported that in 2013, Durgappa was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Raichur sessions court, which also imposed a Rs 1.1 lakh fine for murdering his wife.
If he couldn’t pay, an additional 18 months in jail would be added to his sentence. After being transferred to Kalaburagi jail, his life behind bars could have stretched until 2027, but a remission for good conduct gave him a chance at early release. The only obstacle remaining was the fine.
He spent his years working as a prison cook and accumulated some savings with the job. Prison wages were traditionally meagre, ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 150 a day, but a recent raise to Rs 524 per day allowed Durgappa to accumulate nearly Rs 2.8 lakh.
Kalaburagi jail chief superintendent R Anitha realised that he needed to pay the fine to walk free. She intervened recognising the humanitarian aspect of the case. She accompanied Durgappa to an SBI branch, where he withdrew the required amount and, with two jail staff members, travelled to the Raichur sessions court. There, the court granted his immediate release, signalling the end of a remarkable chapter in his life.
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